Arlington's newest branch library isn't filled with books and it doesn't come with its own parking lot.

Instead, the impressive TechLiNK Mobile Technology Lab is a 39-foot bus that boasts 11 sit-down computer stations and will travel throughout the city, especially into neighborhoods not in close proximity to a city library.

Patrons at the East Arlington Branch Library got a look at the rig as city officials christened it at an open house and ribbon-cutting on Thursday.

The mobile unit allows the library to provide computer access and Internet services to families who don't have their own and have few public computers to use. The bus also will offer a location for free classes in technology, ESL, online literacy and other training.

Cary Siegfried, the library director, said it's an Arlington Public Library mission to not only make computers available but also to provide the knowledge to use them.

"It's our responsibility to teach people to use the equipment,' she said. "That's a huge barrier for people, sometimes as much as the broadband access.

"It's going to be exciting to get out there where people really need the services,' she said.

TechLiNK services and classes include basic computer skills, setting up email, Microsoft Office training, online job searching, using the Internet and accessing library databases.

Siegfried said the mobile unit would serve pockets of need throughout the city and would assist local community groups with their efforts. She said the mobile unit would be ideal for use at the Northwest Arlington ESL Center, for example, which has 150 students but only four computers.

The TechLiNK vehicle can be requested for Arlington community events and library officials said priority would be given to locations that target underserved populations. Library-sponsored instructors will be available to assist bus operations and teach classes.
Event requests must be submitted at least six weeks prior to the event date. The location must be able to accommodate the bus.which is 39 feet long, more than eight feet wide and almost 14 feet tall.and provide handicap access and restroom facilities.

The unit's wireless capability is provided through AT&T. It was funded as part of a federal grant administered through the statewide Technology Expertise, Access and Learning for all Texans (TEAL) project.

Denise Hendlmyer, of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, said the mobile unit will help parents connect with their increasingly computer savvy children.

"I hope parents realize that this is to help them learn how to help with homework or apply for a job,' she said. "This will change how people view libraries.'

Students from Berry Elementary, who attended a family literacy night at the East Arlington Branch Library, scrambled aboard the bus to try out the computers, calling up their favorite educational websites from school.

Siegfried said the City and Arlington ISD are working together to help families access school district computer materials and spend more time together learning computer skills.

"The kids are our greatest advertisement,' she said.

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